About Toowoomba

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Toowoomba: Festival Town with a Floral Focus

Toowoomba may not have beaches, but it offers a relaxed hinterland vibe - that is, when festivals aren’t taking over. When this is the case, watch international bands perform, sample local fare or take a tour of residents’ award-winning gardens. Year-round, delve into South Queensland’s prosperous past by visiting neighbourhoods dating back to the mid-19th century.

To stretch your legs, stroll along Toowoomba’s park trails. To soak up contemporary art or aboriginal culture, head to some of the town’s galleries and museums. If you’re visiting at Easter, join in on the many family-friendly events.

When it comes to holiday rentals, travellers can choose from cosy cottages with private gardens, spacious houses close to parks and town centre apartments.

Green Spaces in Toowoomba

Among Toowoomba’s many gardens and reserves, several stand out. Picnic Point provides scenic views over the area. As you set your hamper down near the lookout, take in valley and mountain vistas. Meanwhile, the kids can let loose at the playground. BBQ equipment is also available for public use. Before or after your meal, go for a stroll along the short walking tracks that meander through manicured gardens and lead to waterfalls. More ambitious hikers may make the trek leading from Picnic Point to Table Top Mountain.

To get some fresh air near the CBD, venture over to Lake Annand Park. This green space was designed to replicate New Zealand’s natural beauty. From geysers to (manmade) lava, the park is fully dedicated to its main theme. In addition, the park is home to typical New Zealand flora. Travellers can hire a bike and cycle through the gardens, before continuing on the path all the way to the floral displays of Queen’s Park.

The University of South Queensland boasts 3 km of Japanese gardens, open to all. As you wander through the gardens, amidst 230 types of native and Japanese flowers and plants, you will find ponds, waterfalls and bridges. This park is popular with local artists seeking inspiration and families with children who come to feed the ducks.

Festivals and Events in Toowoomba

All throughout the year, Toowoomba plays host to vibrant events and festivals. The most well-known is the Carnival of Flowers, which has taken place annually since 1949. For ten days in September, Toowoomba’s streets and parks are buzzing with parades, live music and flower shows. Locals take part in garden competitions and visitors can tour the town’s most elaborate flower beds. There are activities for the whole family, from food and wine tastings to fashion shows and concerts.

Many events are centred around Queen’s Park. One of the biggest festivals is Easterfest, taking place over Easter weekend. Bands from around Australia and the world perform as visitors try local fare and mingle with the area’s farmers and restaurateurs or hop on the carnival rides. A designated kids’ centre has been set up with activities for the youngest family members.

Discovering Toowoomba’s Heritage

Starting in the middle of the 19th century, Toowoomba became a prosperous Southern Queensland town. Testimonies to Toowoomba’s heritage can be found throughout town, especially around Mort Estate. This neighbourhood, which saw the light in 1862, has retained many historic homes, shops and buildings, including the first train station. To learn more, opt for a group or self-guided walking tour.

To find out about Toowoomba’s important role as a transportation and trades hub, go to the Cobb & Co Museum. View 50 different horse-drawn carriages used throughout the 19th century. Visit the factory section of the museum for family-friendly exhibits, telling Southern Queensland’s success story. The kids will even be able to fashion their own tools.

In the evenings, catch a show at the heritage listed Empire Theatre. Built in 1911, the art deco venue was the biggest regional silent movie theatre in the country. Now, it hosts a variety of plays, musicals and dance acts. During the day, take a tour of the theatre to delve deeper into its past and sneak a peak behind the scenes.

Toowoomba’s Art Scene

Toowoomba boasts a number of galleries and art museums, boutique-sized and bigger. To discover works primarily by Southern Queensland artists, make your way to the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery. Discover the latest creations, as well as tributes to the region’s most well-known artists. The gallery was open to the public in the 1930s, and exhibits often link to its heritage. Entry is free for visitors of all ages.

The Tosari Galleries focus on indigenous art. You will be able to view and purchase ceramics, glasswork, paintings, prints and even timber pieces. The University of South Queensland does its part to promote homegrown talent, as well. There is a gallery onsite, open to the public, which hosts changing visual art exhibits and performances.

Getting to Toowoomba

Toowoomba is set an hour-and-a-half’s drive from Brisbane. Visitors can also take the bus or train directly from Brisbane’s CBD to their final destination. Travelling by train, however, takes approximately 4 hours as the track winds through hinterland towns before reaching Toowoomba.